According to research reported at the American Heart Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Annual Conference 2008, low levels of vitamin D may be a factor in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Studies conducted by the American Heart Association indicate that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk for PAD, which occurs when the arteries in a person's legs narrow or become clogged with fat. The association estimates that 8 million Americans are affected by PAD.